NASA is launching a new robotic mission, the Europa Clipper, to study Jupiter’s moon Europa, believed to have an underground ocean. The mission has been in development for over a decade and will provide insights into the moon’s composition, internal structure, and potential habitability. Scientists are looking for liquid water, the right chemistry, and energy sources that could support life on Europa. The spacecraft will fly through harsh radiation environments near Jupiter, requiring the development of technology to protect its instruments. The mission is set to enter Jupiter’s orbit in 2030 after a six-year journey of 1.8 billion miles, with 49 close flybys of Europa planned over four years. By studying the moon, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of its ice crust thickness, potential ponds, and the depth of its internal ocean. This mission marks NASA’s first dedicated study of an ocean world beyond Earth and has been a long-awaited milestone for the scientific community. The project represents a significant step towards potentially confirming whether Europa could have the necessary conditions to support life.
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